Sir P. Where are you going?
Bea. Only to sit with Philip. (going L.)
Sir P. (blocking the way) He is lying down, and must on no account be disturbed.
Bea. Surely a wife——
Sir P. Is the most likely person to disturb her husband.
Bea. (pushing past, viciously) Sir Peter, I will see him! (exit, L.D.)
Sir P. (aside, looking after her) But you can’t. (produces key, looks at it and replaces it in his pocket, then goes down L., and leans on mantel, on the opposite side of stage to Lord Normantower—both lost in thought)
Nor. (aside, leaning against column, R.C.) How can I ask Sir Peter? How can I say, has Selwyn made a will, leaving his wife a beggar? I know what his answer would be. “Sir, what the devil has that to do with you?” And yet it has a lot to do with me. I regard Miss Derwent’s reputation as my own, and I’m not going to have aspersions cast on it. If I could clear things up, I might be able to convince Mrs. Selwyn of her mistake. But how can I broach the subject? It’s a teazer. (sits up, R.C., in alcove)
Sir P. (sits L., aside) Now, what am I to do? Give her a chance, or nail her to the counter? If I gave her a chance, would she take it? Not she! She would appeal to her husband—he would believe her implicitly and kick me out of the house—there would be an end of me—and there would be an end of him. I must convict her—there’s no alternative. But how? If she plays any tricks to-night, I have her. But if she doesn’t? (blows his nose) She has me! Well, the first thing to be done is, to make things safe for the night.
Nor. (aside, rises and comes down a little) I have it! Sir Peter knows I’m poor—I’ll tell him I have thoughts of marrying, but I must marry money. I will inquire about Miss Derwent’s circumstances—say, I’ve heard a rumour. Then I shall find out all about this will. Sir Peter will think I’m an awful cad, but what does it matter what Sir Peter thinks? Upon my word, statesmanship is hereditary, after all. I feel a regular Machiavelli! (crosses to Sir Peter, aloud) Sir Peter! May I have a word with you? (R. of table)